Beacon City Council Ward 4
How long have you been a Democrat?
I became eligible to vote for the first time in high school. During history class, our teacher taught us about political parties and how Democrats believe the government should do more to help the most vulnerable in society. That aligned with the values I had then and still hold today, so I registered as a Democrat at age18.
What made you decide to run for office?
I like being involved in the community and contributing to how it is run. I’m a big listener and I love hearing people’s ideas about how to make improvements. I volunteered to be part of the Traffic Safety Committee in 2020 because, as a pedestrian, driver, cyclist, and public transportation rider, I’ve seen how safe streets benefit everyone. Every month, I eagerly anticipate getting together with the community to solve some of our problems, and I look forward to doing more of that kind of work on City Council.
What will be your priorities if you get elected?
Traffic safety, public transportation, housing access, and recreation.
What is something that you have done or achieved in Beacon or elsewhere that positively contributed to your community?
In 2024, when Dutchess County Transit proposed changing the Loop Bus (Route G) service, I went to Poughkeepsie to ask them to improve, not cut, the route. From there, we created a petition and collected over 1,000 signatures from people who rely on the service to get to the train, the mountain, and to Main Street. I’m glad to say the county did not make the proposed cuts, and I will always encourage people to ride the Loop!
What can you bring to the role?
As a professional librarian, my job is to find answers to questions. If I don’t know something, my curiosity kicks in, and I do research and ask questions to resolve the issue. I have served on dozens of committees and boards professionally and personally, so I know how to listen, reach consensus, and run an effective meeting.
Tell us something personal about you.
My husband, Joe, proposed on the top of Mount Beacon at his favorite spot just off the trail. We got married a few months later at the Chapel Restoration in Cold Spring. Later that year, we went on another hike. When we got to that same spot, I broke the news that we were going to be parents.